Bent unsurprised by Young interest

27 March 2011 03:00

Darren Bent is unsurprised several leading clubs are chasing the signature of Ashley Young given his form for England and Aston Villa.

Young is out of contract at Villa in 15 months' time and already being linked with a summer move to the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool.

Bent said: "Ashley has been playing really, really well this season and being linked to top, top sides."

Bent has seen at first hand the form of club-mate Young at Villa Park since his £24million move from Sunderland in January. But now Young is also starting to produce a similar level on the international stage.

The former Watford winning won the penalty for the first goal and laid on the second for Bent during Saturday's 2-0 win over Wales in a Euro 2012 qualifier in Cardiff.

"It's because of the form he is showing like against Wales that all these clubs are after him," Bent added. "He was fantastic and it helps me that he is also in the Villa side.

"The main thing is we can keep going, hang onto him for as long as possible and keep creating the chances for Villa and scoring goals."

Bent admits he is starting to feel comfortable at international level after scoring in his last three internationals and being given a run in the side by Fabio Capello.

He said: "It's always hard when you've had 10 minutes here, 10 minutes there but when you get a run in the side, you take great confidence from that.

"I'd love to be the number nine for as long as possible but there are a lot of top strikers about. If Fabio keeps picking me, hopefully I'll keep producing the goods."